Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, and is located in the northern part of the country. It was established as a planned city in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the country’s capital.
Before Islamabad was built, the area was home to several small villages and towns, including Rawalpindi, which was an important city during British rule. The decision to build a new capital was made in the 1950s, and a commission was established to choose a location for the new city.
The commission chose an area near Rawalpindi, which was chosen for its central location and its proximity to the country’s major transportation routes. The new city was named Islamabad, which means “City of Islam” in Urdu.
Construction of the new city began in 1960, and was carried out by a team of international architects and planners. The city was designed with wide, tree-lined boulevards, open spaces, and modern infrastructure, and was meant to serve as a model for modern urban planning.
In 1967, the first government buildings were completed in Islamabad, and in 1972, the city officially became the capital of Pakistan. Since then, Islamabad has grown rapidly, and has become an important center for government, business, and culture in Pakistan.
Today, Islamabad is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, known for its modern architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, and rich cultural heritage. It continues to be an important center of political and economic activity in Pakistan, and attracts visitors from around the world.
Early History Of Islamabad:
The area now known as Islamabad has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age.
The region was part of the ancient Gandhara civilization, which flourished in the area from the 6th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The Gandhara civilization was known for its art and culture, and was an important center of Buddhist learning.
Islamabad itself, however, was founded relatively recently. The modern city was built in the 1960s, as a planned capital for Pakistan. Before that time, the area where Islamabad is now located was part of the Rawalpindi district, and was home to several small towns and villages.
Rawalpindi itself has a long history, and was an important city during the British colonial period. It was known for its military barracks and cantonments, and served as a major transportation hub, connecting northern Pakistan with the rest of the country.
The decision to build a new capital was made in the 1950s, and a commission was established to choose a location for the new city. The commission chose an area near Rawalpindi, which was chosen for its central location and its proximity to the country’s major transportation routes. The new city was named Islamabad, which means “City of Islam” in Urdu.
Construction of the new city began in 1960, and was carried out by a team of international architects and planners. The city was designed with wide, tree-lined boulevards, open spaces, and modern infrastructure, and was meant to serve as a model for modern urban planning. Today, Islamabad is a thriving and modern city, and serves as the capital of Pakistan.
How to Reach Islamabad?
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and is well-connected to other parts of the country and the world. Here are some ways to reach Islamabad:
By air: Islamabad has its own international airport, the Islamabad International Airport, which is located about 20 km from the city center. Many major airlines operate flights to and from Islamabad to destinations around the world. Domestic flights are also available from Islamabad to other cities in Pakistan.
By train: The Pakistan Railways operates train services from major cities in Pakistan to Islamabad. The city has two main railway stations, Islamabad Railway Station and Rawalpindi Railway Station, which are connected to many parts of the country.
By bus: Islamabad is connected to other cities in Pakistan through a network of inter-city buses. Many private and government-run bus companies operate services to Islamabad from other cities in Pakistan.
By car: Islamabad is connected to other cities in Pakistan through a network of highways. You can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Islamabad from other cities in Pakistan.
By bike: If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also travel to Islamabad by motorcycle. There are many scenic routes that you can take to reach Islamabad from other cities in Pakistan. However, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary permits and documentation for your journey.
Schools And Colleges In Islamabad:
There are several schools and colleges in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Here are some of them:
- Islamabad Model College for Boys
- Islamabad Model College for Girls
- Islamabad College for Boys
- Islamabad College for Girls
- Islamabad College of Arts and Sciences
- Federal Government College
- Beaconhouse School System
- Roots Millennium Schools
- International Grammar School and College
- Westminster School and College
These are just a few examples of the many schools and colleges in Islamabad. There are also several universities in the city, including the Quaid-i-Azam University, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), and the International Islamic University.
Historical Monuments And Places To Visit In Islamabad:
Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, has many historical monuments and places to visit. Some of the popular ones are:
- Faisal Mosque: It is the largest mosque in Pakistan and one of the largest in the world. The mosque is named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia who funded its construction. Its unique design and grandeur make it a popular tourist attraction.
- Pakistan Monument: Located in the Shakarparian Hills, the Pakistan Monument is a national monument that represents the history, culture, and achievements of Pakistan. The monument is shaped like a blooming flower and has four main petals, each representing a province of Pakistan.
- Lok Virsa Museum: The museum is located in Shakarparian and showcases the cultural heritage of Pakistan. It has various exhibits and galleries, including traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and handicrafts.
- Rawal Lake: Rawal Lake is a man-made reservoir that provides water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It is a popular picnic spot with beautiful views and recreational activities like boating and fishing.
- Daman-e-Koh: Daman-e-Koh is a viewpoint in the Margalla Hills that offers a panoramic view of Islamabad. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Saidpur Village: Saidpur Village is a historic village located on the slopes of Margalla Hills. It has old temples, a mosque, and a gurdwara. The village has been restored and turned into a cultural and heritage center with traditional restaurants, shops, and handicrafts. - Taxila: Taxila is an ancient city located about 35 kilometers from Islamabad. It was an important center of Gandhara art and Buddhism. The city has many archaeological sites and ruins that are popular among tourists.
- Rohtas Fort: Rohtas Fort is a 16th-century fort located near the city of Jhelum, about 160 kilometers from Islamabad. It was built by Sher Shah Suri to defend against the Mughal emperor Humayun. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.
These are just a few of the many historical monuments and places to visit in Islamabad and its surrounding areas.
Restaurants And Hotels In Islamabad:
Islamabad offers a diverse range of restaurants and hotels that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some popular ones:
Restaurants:
- Monal Restaurant: Located on the Margalla Hills, Monal Restaurant offers a breathtaking view of Islamabad. The restaurant serves Pakistani and continental cuisine and is popular for its biryani, karahi, and BBQ.
- Savour Foods: Savour Foods is a popular fast-food chain in Islamabad that serves traditional Pakistani food like biryani, karahi, and tandoori chicken.
- Wild Rice: Wild Rice is an upscale restaurant that serves Asian fusion cuisine. The restaurant has a stylish interior and a romantic ambiance.
- Tuscany Courtyard: Tuscany Courtyard is an Italian restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and other Italian dishes. The restaurant has a cozy outdoor seating area and live music on weekends.
- Street 1 Cafe: Street 1 Cafe is a popular cafe in Islamabad that serves a variety of food and drinks. The cafe has a relaxed ambiance and is popular among students and young professionals.
Hotels:
- Serena Hotel: Serena Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Islamabad. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, and excellent amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center.
- Marriott Hotel: Marriott Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the city center of Islamabad. The hotel offers spacious rooms, excellent dining options, and a range of amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center.
- Islamabad Serena Hotel: Islamabad Serena Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the diplomatic enclave of Islamabad. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, fine dining, and excellent amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center.
- Hotel One: Hotel One is a budget hotel chain in Islamabad that offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities. The hotel has several locations throughout the city.
- Islamabad Marriott Hotel: Islamabad Marriott Hotel is a 4-star hotel located near the Margalla Hills. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, excellent dining options, and a range of amenities like a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center.
These are just a few of the popular restaurants and hotels in Islamabad. There are many more options available, depending on your taste and budget.
Trade And Commerce In Islamabad:
Islamabad, being the capital of Pakistan, is an important center for trade and commerce. The city has a thriving business environment and is home to several commercial and industrial zones. Here are some of the main aspects of trade and commerce in Islamabad:
- Industrial Zones: Islamabad has several industrial zones that are home to a variety of industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing. Some of the main industrial zones in Islamabad are the Industrial Triangle Area (I-9, I-10, I-11), Kahuta Industrial Triangle, and Rawalpindi Industrial Estate.
- Wholesale Markets: There are several wholesale markets in Islamabad where businesses can purchase goods in bulk. Some of the popular wholesale markets in Islamabad are the I-11 Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market), Rawalpindi Cloth Market, and Sitara Market.
- Retail Sector: The retail sector in Islamabad is growing rapidly, with several shopping malls and retail outlets opening up in recent years. Some of the popular shopping malls in Islamabad are Centaurus Mall, Safa Gold Mall, and Giga Mall.
- Banking Sector: Islamabad has a well-developed banking sector, with several national and international banks having branches in the city. Some of the major banks in Islamabad are National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, and Citibank.
- IT Industry: Islamabad has a thriving IT industry, with several software development and IT services companies operating in the city. The city is also home to several technology incubators and accelerators that support the growth of startups and small businesses in the IT sector.
- Tourism Industry: Islamabad is also an important center for tourism in Pakistan, with several tourist attractions in and around the city. The tourism industry in Islamabad provides employment and business opportunities for many people, including tour operators, hotels, and restaurants.
These are just a few of the main aspects of trade and commerce in Islamabad. The city has a diverse and dynamic business environment that offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses.
Conclusion:
The history of Taxila is one steeped in the culture of both Buddhism and Hinduism. The region was a melting pot of different beliefs from the West and the East, and this is reflected in the religious temples and monuments that were built. The history of Taxila is so rich and diverse that it is impossible to capture it all in a single blog post.
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